Setting Hair and Travel Goals for a Successful Year: My Journey to Self-Care and a Fresh Start

I remember sitting at my desk in the corporate world, staring at the calendar with a stack of unread travel brochures sitting next to my coffee cup. Every year, I’d tell myself “This is the year I’ll finally book that trip”, but I never did. Between the endless emails, back-to-back meetings, and projects that had no mercy on my personal time, travel seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford. As a Black woman with locs in corporate, it already felt like I was working twice as hard just to prove myself—taking time off to explore the world? Not a priority.

Fast forward to now, and let me tell you—I get it. As a business owner, I’ve learned the importance of taking time for myself—physically, mentally, and spiritually. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and I had to learn that the hard way. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about checking off destinations on my travel bucket list. It’s about realigning with who I am, who I’ve always been, and making decisions that honor that woman.

My Initial Reluctance to Travel

You see, I wasn’t always eager to explore the world. I had this deep-rooted idea that rest was for the weak. The relentless hustle, grinding until burnout, it felt like the way to success. But all that hustle was costing me my peace, my health, and even my connection to my hair. For years, I maintained my locs, keeping them immaculate, yet treating them like a task on my to-do list instead of part of me.

Then, life happened. A few medical setbacks hit me hard, with severe neck pain that left me feeling disconnected from myself. It was a wake-up call. I realized I had neglected me—my body, my health, my hair. All while pretending like I could keep going at full speed. My locs, a crown I had worn for a decade, were feeling heavy—not just physically, but emotionally too.

Going Back to Basics: My Loc Journey

After 10 beautiful years with locs, it felt like they were telling me something: slow down, reset. I started my loc journey as an act of self-love and rebellion against mainstream beauty standards. And yet, somehow, I had lost touch with that spirit. My hair, which had once been a source of empowerment, had become a silent witness to my neglect.

So, I made a decision that might sound drastic to some, but it felt like the most natural thing in the world to me—I gave myself a fresh start. I cut my locs. It was time to allow my body to heal fully, to give my neck a break, and to hit the reset button on my self-care journey.

Now, don’t get me wrong. It was emotional. After all, these locs had been with me through so much—growth, pain, love, loss. But I knew it was what I needed to do. I wanted to go back to the basics, to restart my journey with a clear intention of balance—both in my hair and in my life.

Why 2025 is the Perfect Time to Do Something Different

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this process, it’s that it’s never too late for a fresh start. Whether it’s a hair transformation or setting off on that long-awaited trip, 2025 is the perfect time to shake things up. I’m reclaiming my loc journey by starting over, nurturing my scalp, and letting my hair grow naturally, without pressure. It’s a reminder to be patient with myself, to honor the process, and to trust the journey—my journey.

This year, I’m taking travel just as seriously as my hair goals. I’ve realized that taking time to see the world isn’t just about escaping reality. It’s about expanding my horizons, learning, healing, and coming back home—whether that’s to myself or to the world around me—with a fresh perspective.

My travel goals for 2025? To explore places I’ve never been and immerse myself in cultures that will inspire me, push me out of my comfort zone, and feed my soul. And when I’m not on the move, I’ll be back at home, treating my hair like the crown it is, nourishing it from root to tip.

The Importance of Self-Care and Self-Exploration

So here I am, as a 30-something Black woman, navigating life, business, and everything in between. What I know for sure is that self-care isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a non-negotiable. My loc journey has always been about self-expression and self-love, but now it’s also about healing. After years of pushing myself to the limit, 2025 is my year of softness, healing, and intention.

For those of you reading this, maybe you’re in a similar place. Maybe you’ve neglected your own needs, your own hair, your own travel dreams. Let this be your sign: It’s okay to reset. It’s okay to start over. Whether that’s with a new set of locs or finally booking that trip you’ve been putting off, 2025 is the year to prioritize you.

Life has a way of reminding us what’s really important, and for me, it’s all about balance—between work and play, between travel and home, between letting go and holding on. So, here’s to fresh starts, wherever they may take us. Whether it’s through your hair journey, travel, or simply making space for yourself to breathe.

This is your year to do something different. Trust me, I’ve been there. And now, I’m ready to embrace the new chapter, locs and passport in hand.

Are you?

Final Thoughts

Setting hair and travel goals isn’t just about aesthetics or experiences—it’s about self-care, healing, and stepping into your power. Whether you’ve been rocking locs for years or are just starting your journey, and whether you’ve been traveling the world or dreaming about it from your desk, make 2025 the year you choose you.